Central to the committee’s debate was the question of whether to conduct a feasibility study for the swimming pool project, estimated to cost between $30,000 and $50,000. This discussion was informed by a previous town study on a similar petition article for a swimming pool, which came with a price tag of about $50,000. The feasibility and the potential impact on existing school facilities were major points of contention, especially given uncertainties surrounding the availability of suitable land for the project.

The committee explored various angles of the pool project, including a previous decision not to proceed with renovations to the existing pool due to an estimated cost of around $5 million. The concept of a regional pool was floated, with the idea of involving adjacent communities such as Harwich, Orleans, and Brewster, who are members of the Nauset Regional School District. Harwich’s consideration of building an Olympic-size pool was mentioned as a relevant factor for the regional approach.

The nature of the town meeting vote was scrutinized, with questions raised about whether the vote would be a yes or no on exploring participation in the regional swimming pool facility or specifically for funding a feasibility study. The role of the select board was acknowledged, as further decisions on the project would be based on the outcome of the vote and subsequent review.

During the meeting, members expressed varying levels of support and skepticism. Some were in favor of the non-binding vote to gauge the town’s interest, while others were concerned about the potential ongoing costs and the project’s overall feasibility. The need for clear communications was emphasized to manage public expectations and prevent “sticker shock” when project costs are presented.

In a broader context, the committee discussed financial management, focusing on the challenges of estimating project costs accurately and the importance of transparency and communication with the public regarding budgeting for town projects. There was a call for semiannual updates on open projects to address concerns over cost overruns and scope creep.

Though the potential benefits of a community pool were evident, the committee recognized the need for thorough consideration and clear communication about the project’s implications for the town’s budget and resources.